Collapsible Animal Decoy Scissors Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing animal decoys lack the ability to be compactly stored, making them inefficient for space-constrained environments.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible animal decoy design featuring a support frame with T-connectors, scissors extensions, detachable legs, and a flexible animal cover, allowing for easy retraction and extension to accommodate storage in tight spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a traditional rigid animal decoy structure is used, then the decoy maintains its shape and stability during use, but it occupies excessive storage space and cannot be compactly stored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The decoy structure is divided into multiple segments including telescopic legs, collapsible support frame, and detachable components. Each leg consists of nested tubular sections that can be extended or retracted, allowing the decoy to transition between expanded operational state and compact storage state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The decoy employs dynamic structural elements such as telescopic mechanisms with locking pins, collapsible support frames with hinge joints, and adjustable components. These dynamic features enable the decoy to adapt its configuration between stable deployed state and compact collapsed state for storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If a collapsible structure with multiple moving parts is implemented, then the storage space is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic legs utilize a nested doll principle where smaller tubular sections are inserted within larger sections. When collapsed, the legs form a compact nested configuration that minimizes storage volume. The nesting mechanism is simplified with guide ridges and matching grooves that align sections during assembly and collapse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The collapsible structure incorporates self-locking and self-aligning features. Spring-loaded locking pins automatically engage with grooves on the telescopic sections to maintain extended position. During collapse, gravity and spring mechanisms guide the sections into proper alignment and locked positions without requiring complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If detachable and movable components are added for collapsibility, then the decoy can be stored in tight spaces, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidease of deployment
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The decoy is pre-assembled in a partially configured state with permanent connections between major components. The telescopic legs are pre-attached to the support frame, and the animal cover is pre-formed with attachment points. This preliminary assembly reduces the number of steps required during deployment, requiring only extension of legs and securing of the cover.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Complex mechanical locking systems are replaced with simpler friction-fit and gravity-stabilized mechanisms. The telescopic sections use friction between nested surfaces and gravity to maintain position, eliminating the need for complex latches or fasteners. Spring-loaded pins provide automatic locking without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the decoy to be efficiently stored and deployed, maintaining its functionality while conserving space.

Implementation Method 1

The biasing device is preferably an extension spring or the like. The extension spring is secured adjacent the pivot point of the first and second scissor members.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring (elasticity): Spring

Implementation Method 2

The biasing device is preferably an extension spring or the like. The extension spring is secured adjacent the pivot point of the first and second scissor members.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

Each leg section includes a tubular cross section and an extension plug. The extension plug extends from one end of the leg section. The extension plug is sized to be firmly received by an opposing end of the leg section. The first leg section includes an attachment flange and a leg portion. The attachment flange is formed by crushing an upper portion of the leg portion to form a flat thickness. One end of the elastic string is attached to the extension plug of the first leg section; the elastic string is inserted through the second leg section; and secured to the extension plug of the second leg section.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9961893B1Collapsible animal decoy
Publication Date: 2018.05.08 SCHUMACHER THEODORE R

AI summary

A collapsible animal decoy preferably includes a support frame and a flexible animal cover. The support frame preferably includes a pair of support rings, a pair of scissors extensions, a neck extension, and a pair of detachable legs. Each support ring includes a pair of T-connectors, a pair perimeter strips and a support tube. Each scissors extension preferably includes at least two scissors members. One end of the scissors extension is secured to the first support ring and the other end is secured to the second support ring. One end of the neck extension is pivotally retained on the support tube of the first support ring. Each detachable leg preferably includes a first leg section, a second leg section and an elastic string. The flexible animal cover includes a graphic of some animal, such as a deer formed on an exterior thereof.